Read Ecclesiastes 3:9-5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58
Whether he was Solomon or some other poor soul, the world-weary writer of Ecclesiastes does not seem to be a cheery fellow. He seems like a guy who would make a gloomy day gloomier.
The writer of Ecclesiastes was not necessarily a bore. His book simply reflects the extent of hope one had on living by the Law: a faint glimmer way off in the distance. All a person could do was toil away for God and trust He would make it worth it in the end.
Contrast Ecclesiastes with Paul’s letters. There is no moaning here, no trying to make sense of it all. Unlike the writer of Ecclesiastes, Paul was practically overflowing with hope. Why? Because that faint glimmer had become a blinding flash when Jesus conquered death.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer Suggestion: Jesus, help me live like I have all the hope in the world!
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